Top 10 bestselling cars of 2015

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has revealed that 2015 was the UK's biggest ever year for new car sales, with 2,633,503 cars registered. But what were the big sellers? Click through this gallery to countdown the top 10 most popular new cars of last year

10. As a compact SUV, the Vauxhall Mokka is part of the fastest growing segment of the UK's new car market. Its rivals include the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur. Total sales in 2015: 45,399

9. This third incarnation of the "new" Mini retains the cute, retro looks of its predecessors, but offers more space and technology, along with improved efficiency and quality.
Fortunately, this newfound maturity doesn't come at the expense of the driving fun that Mini is famous for. Total sales in 2015: 47,076

8. It's easy to dismiss the Audi A3 as a triumph of style over substance. After all, it's basically a VW Golf in a fancier suit. Except it doesn't feel like a Golf. From its gorgeous interior to its sporty drive, the A3 has a character all of its own. And if you look beyond the Golf's headline-grabbing starting price, you'll see that model for model the A3 is barely any more expensive. Total sales in 2015: 47,653

7. A new Astra has just arrived in UK Vauxhall dealers, but it's the previous model that accounted for most sales in 2015. As is typical of this class of car, Vauxhall offered three-and five-door versions, as well as engines and specifications to suit all tastes. Total sales in 2015: 52,703

6. The Volkswagen Polo looks like a smaller version of the hugely popular Golf hatchback, and that’s also what it feels like to drive.
As well as a very pleasant interior and some smooth and efficient petrol engines, you can choose from a range of advanced safety features that you rarely see on this class of car. Total sales in 2015: 54,900

5. Nissan's original Qashqai was one of the first cars to combine 4x4 styling with hatchback running costs, and this formula quickly turned it into a best-seller.
The latest Qashqai builds on the strengths of that original model, offering more style, space and equipment, along with better fuel economy and sharper handling. Total sales in 2015: 60,814

4. The VW emissions scandal didn't slow down sales enough for the Golf not to secure a solid finish. The Golf has been with us for more than 40 years, and is now in its seventh generation. It retains the understated looks and upmarket image that have always been key to its appeal, yet it's also bigger, safer and better equipped. Total sales in 2015: 73,409

3. If someone asked you to think of a typical, average, family-sized hatchback, we’ll wager the car that’d most likely spring to mind would be this – the Ford Focus.
Not only is it fun to drive and pleasant to look at, but it also offers buyers an enormous wealth of choice – from frugal-yet-fun turbocharged petrol engines to big, brawny diesels; and from no-frills models as basic as they come to those with all the mod cons you can think of. Total sales in 2015: 83,816

2. The Vauxhall Corsa is cheap to run, smart inside and easy to drive around town, plus the turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine is both smooth and strong. If you're looking for an affordable car and don't mind compromising a bit on interior space and fun, it should be on your list. Total sales in 2015: 92,077

1. The Ford Fiesta has now been the UK's best selling car for eight years running, and with good reason. For a start, it's a giggle to drive, and yet it also soaks up bumps better than most rivals. Cheaper models aren’t as well equipped as we’d like, but if you spec the Zetec trim level you’ll have a splendid little car. Total sales in 2015: 133,434